The hardships of women in the film industry are quite different when compared to men. Women are judged in every step of the way and filmmakers usually don’t think of the women actors and their situation while planning a few scenes. Recently, senior actress Sobhana who is a National Award-winning actor and a Padma Shri recipient has revealed some of her experiences during the initial stages of her career as an actress.
During the interview with Mani Ratnam, she talked about filming a rain sequence for Rajnikanth’s ‘Shiva’ which came in 1989. She said, ‘They shot a rain sequence in Siva. They didn’t tell me about it, but I got to know about it by looking at the costume-a white transparent saree–I understood it was a rain song. I told (the costume guy) that I didn’t have anything to wear inside. When I asked if I can home and come prepared, he said the shot is in ten minutes. I think it (the rain song) was a premeditated murder. The victim alone will not know (laughs).’
The actress further added, ‘It was a big production, and I didn’t want to be responsible for the delay of the shoot. So, I took a plastic table cover which was there at AVM Studios and wrapped it around me inside the skirt and I was ready for the shot. During the shoot, Rajini sir had to lift me for a dance step, and the cover started making noise. I still remember his expression (he was confused). Thankfully, he didn’t tell anyone about it. He makes sure that everyone on the sets is comfortable.’
Talking about the iconic ‘Thalapathy’ with Mani Ratnam and Rajnikanth, she shared how Rajni was late on sets which bothered the legendary director. She told, ‘The shooting time was tough. Early mornings… Always, back then, between Rajini sir and Mani sir…tch… I remember even now when Mani sir said, ‘If 300 people can come at 3 am for the shot, why can’t one person?’ I was among the 300 who were on time. The film was taken on a large scale and was technically tough for that time. So, they made it for a long while.’
